Workplace transport safety An employers' guide - ARRI Lighting Rental

Safe vehicles
Health and Safety
Executive
724 Hauliers and site operators should make sure that wheel-stops, handholds
and vehicle lighting (for example, at the back of the cab) are provided wherever
appropriate.
725 If coupling may happen away from outside lighting, vehicle owners should
consider fitting outside lighting to the vehicle itself (especially behind the cab) to
provide a safer working environment.
726 There should be safe access to the ‘fifth wheel’ area (the area behind the cab,
where the trailer connects to the tractive unit). This should include steps up to the
area, and a catwalk that provides good grip (bear in mind that there may be oil
leaks). The area behind the cab should be kept clean and clear to make slipping or
tripping less likely. Drivers should know how to move any hinged fairings to make
access to this area easier, and should do so.
727 It is sometimes not possible to connect hoses after coupling (for example,
‘close-coupled’ combinations such as ‘reefer’ trailers, where the temperature
control unit fixed to the front of the trailer means no one can get access to the fifth
wheel area). A risk assessment should recognise the risks involved in connecting
the hoses before coupling (‘split coupling’), and a safe system of work should be in
place to reduce risks.
Safe drivers
728 Employers should make sure that everyone involved in coupling or uncoupling
is aware of safety procedures, and should check that they understand how to use
the equipment safely.
729 Employers should provide suitable gloves, footwear, and other personal
protective equipment such as high visibility clothing, where appropriate, to protect
people working on or around vehicles, including people involved in coupling.
Workers should use this equipment as part of a safe system of work. There is more
information about avoiding falls in Preventing falls from workplace vehicles.
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